Top 12 Romance Movies Straight From the Black Love Team

by Black Love Team

CONTRIBUTOR

Top 12 Romance Movies Straight From the Black Love Team

Between cuffing season and the holiday season, more than a couple nights will find us holed up under the covers watching a romantic movie. Single, partnered, or married – some nights we need a laugh, some nights a cry, and some nights we just want to get lost in a soothing soundtrack as our favorite actors fall in love.

So, what romance movies should you be watching this season? You know we’ve got you covered. The Black Love Team’s top 12 romance movies are here for you whether you’re wrapped up in love or simply in the mood to watch it all play out.

A Bronx Tale

Adapted from Chazz Palminteri’s 1989 play of the same name, A Bronx Tale is a 1993 American crime drama about the coming-of-age of Italian-American boy, Calogero Anello. One day, a young Calogero encounters a local mob boss, played by Chazz Palminteri, and a relationship ensues – much to the chagrin of his honest, hardworking father, played by Robert De Niro. The back and forth of this tug-a-war for Calogero’s life-long values is the backbone of the story, but at its heart is Calogero’s crush and ultimate relationship with Jane, an African-American high school girl from the neighborhood.

Flashdance

“What happens when you give up on your dreams?” That’s the question Michael Nouri asked Jennifer Beales in her first starring role as young self-taught dancer Alex Owens. With dreams of joining the Pittsburgh ballet scene as she welds steel by day and strips (only down to her lingerie) by night, Alex strives to balance her dreams, overcome her fears, and follow heart –– because “when you give up on your dreams, you die.” Good thing is, she follows her heart right into the arms of leading man, Nouri. Bonus points for the fantastic dance-all-night soundtrack and the cut-out sweater that launched a fashion movement. Flashdance is directed by Adrian Lyne.

The Last Dragon

“Tell me, do you got that glow?” Taimak Guarriello absolutely did as Bruce Leroy, the karate kid of the 1985 martial art classic film The Last Dragon. Bruce Leroy begins the movie with the goal of harnessing such mystical martial arts power that he is able to exhibit “The Glow” across his entire body. But after a chance encounter with Laura Charles, played by Vanity, Bruce Leroy sees that there is much more to life than martial arts. But, perfect for him, it all comes together when Laura is kidnapped and he has to channel all of his energy to save her, because nothing can give a man the glow like true love. Bonus points for a cameo by young Keisha Knight Pulliam and soundtrack by Berry Gordy. The Last Dragon is directed by Michael Schultz.

Coming to America

Coming to America, a 1988 film directed by John Landis, is one of the funniest romantic comedies of our time and a certified classic. Eddie Murphy stars as an African prince who decides to find his wife in Queens, New York…while undercover, working at a fast-food restaurant, and being shadowed by his servant, Arsenio Hall. What can go wrong?

Boomerang

Comedy, romance, and sex is what comes to mind when one thinks of Boomerang. One of the brilliant projects led by the legendary Eddie Murphy (Marcus), Boomerang takes a look at the world of young Black professionals in the early 90s navigating corporate America, friendships, and love. From Marcus and his boys Tyler (Martin Lawrence) and Gerard (David Allen Grier) embracing brotherhood through thick and thin to Marcus growing up and realizing that following his heart in the name of love is far more important than listing after a moment.

The all-star ensemble includes Robin Givens and Halle Berry with appearances from Eartha Kitt, Grace Jones, and more. So, if you want some laughs and a trip down memory lane, get into Boomerang especially before Leann Waithe’s series by the same name hits the small screen next year on BET.

Poetic Justice

Written and directed by the legendary John Singleton, Poetic Justice is a 90s classic starring Janet Jackson as Justice and the late, great Tupac Shakur as her love interest, Lucky.

After losing her boyfriend to gun violence, Justice meets Lucky and opens herself up to love again, but not without doubt, speed bumps, and fear. How does she heal and move on? Through tragedy, open conversations with Lucky, a little bit of time, and poetry that Justice uses to express herself, clear her mind, and step into another level of her womanhood.

A timeless love story, Poetic Justice is always a story that’ll warm your heart and soul.

Love Jones

Love Jones is a 1997 romantic drama written and directed by Theodore Witcher, starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long as two professionals looking for love to the soundtrack of the Chicago poetry scene. It reminded many of the pure perfection that is Miles Davis with his tune “In a Sentimental Mood.” And then, there is one of the best lines ever uttered in that rain-soaked final kiss – “And that’s urgent as a motherfucker.”

Love & Basketball

Love and Basketball — credit: Girls and Mimosas

This 2000 romantic drama, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, follows two childhood friends who grow up struggling to win at basketball and the game of love. Their relationship woes can only be settled one way – through a game of 1 on 1 so intense that your heart will hurt watching.

Two Can Play That Game

Two Can Play That Game, written and directed by Mark Brown, stars Vivica A. Fox at her sassiest, as a career woman who knows all the plays to make in the game of love. She breaks out the rulebook when her man, Morris Chestnut, steps out of line, but finds herself on the defensive when he starts to make countermoves. Part of you wants to see the couple get it together, but another part of you wants to see what they’ll do next.

Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar is a 2002 romantic comedy directed by Rick Famuyiwa starring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs as two friends whose relationship evolves with their love of hip-hop. This couple sizzles on the screen, but music-heads will love the backstory and seeing Queen Latifah co-star alongside Mos Def. And tell me this, “When did you fall in love with hip-hop?”

Hitch

In this 2005 romantic comedy directed by Andy Tennant, Will Smith, the “date doctor,” is trying to coach Kevin James into a relationship with the woman of his dreams when he finds he can use a little support himself. Eva Mendes and Amber Valletta are wonderful leading ladies, but the bromance between Smith and James steals the show.

Beyond the Lights

Beyond the Lights is a 2014 film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw as a superstar struggling to be her true self – that is, until she meets Nate Parker, a cop who sees through her façade. It’s extremely satisfying watching Mbatha-Raw shed the purple extensions for natural curls and dump her erratic pop style for her authentic, soulful sound. It gives us all hope that love can help us uncover our best selves.

Tags: Black Love Team, films, movies, Romance Films, Romance Movies, Top Films, Top Movies

SHARE ARTICLE

LEFT TO READ

PUBLISHED ON

ARTICLE LENGTH

SHARE ARTICLE

Top 12 Romance Movies Straight From the Black Love Team

A Bronx Tale

Flashdance

The Last Dragon

Coming to America

Boomerang

Poetic Justice

Love Jones

Love & Basketball

Two Can Play That Game

Brown Sugar

Hitch

Beyond the Lights

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

HIGHLIGHTS

MORE RELATED